The biggest mistake teachers (myself included) make is to move planning to the top of the list.

"...we’re designed to pulse. Our most basic survival need is to spend and renew energy. We’re hardwired to make waves— to be alert during the day and to sleep at night, but also to work at high intensity for limited periods of time and then rest and refuel." - Tony Schwartz in The Way We're Working Isn't Working (a favorite read of mine).

Rest, and rest well, so that you can do the best planning of your life. That only comes when you are both mentally and physically restored. Take advantage of the wave of performance. After sustained rest comes the ability to reach a high level of excellence.

Imagine a marathon runner deciding to wrap up a great race with another marathon! Don't be that person.

Homework: leave a comment and tell us your favorite way to rest and rejuvenate in the summer. Do not get confused. This is critical work that great teachers do.

Stay tuned for a summer series on how to use the summer to up your teaching game. This is going to be a fun summer.